Use the network you built
Connect friends, family, former clients and business contacts with active real estate agents who can help them buy or sell.
South Carolina referral brokerage
Keep your license. Keep earning through referrals.
A referral-only real estate brokerage offers eligible South Carolina licensees a simpler way to connect buyers and sellers with active agents and earn referral income without practicing real estate full-time.
Refer clients in South Carolina or connect people with real estate professionals in other states through properly documented brokerage-to-brokerage referrals.
A different way to stay in real estate
What is a real estate referral company?
A South Carolina real estate referral company holds the licenses of agents who want to generate referrals but do not want to represent buyers or sellers in active transactions. Instead of listing homes, showing properties or negotiating contracts, a referral agent introduces a client to an active real estate professional through a signed referral agreement.
If the referred client completes a transaction and the receiving brokerage pays the agreed referral commission, the referral brokerage receives the funds and pays the referral agent according to the brokerage agreement.
This model can help qualified licensees maintain a connection to the real estate industry while avoiding many of the expenses and daily responsibilities associated with active sales practice.
Why agents consider referral-only status
Stay connected without running an active sales business
A referral brokerage may be a practical fit when you still have a valuable network but no longer want the time, cost or responsibility of representing clients directly.
Reduce recurring expenses
Referral-only agents are not provided MLS access and generally do not need MLS or REALTOR® association memberships through the referral company.
Refer beyond South Carolina
A South Carolina referral agent may arrange a brokerage referral to a qualified real estate professional in another state.
Who it may fit
A flexible option for different stages of a real estate career
Referral-only status is not the same as active brokerage practice. It is designed for licensees who want to focus exclusively on introducing clients to active agents.
- Retiring real estate agents
- Part-time licensees
- Agents taking a career break
- Professionals changing industries
- Licensees moving out of state
- Agents reducing business expenses
- People with strong personal networks
- Licensees who no longer want active clients
The referral process
How real estate referral income works
Identify a client need
Talk with someone who plans to buy, sell or relocate and wants to be introduced to a qualified real estate professional.
Document the referral
Locate a receiving agent or request assistance, negotiate the referral percentage and obtain a signed brokerage referral agreement.
Receive payment after closing
When the transaction closes and the referral brokerage receives the agreed commission, the referral agent receives the applicable share.
Important distinction
Referral agents do not practice active real estate in South Carolina
- A referral-only agent may not represent a buyer, seller, landlord or tenant in a South Carolina transaction.
- Referral agents do not enter agency agreements, list properties, show homes or negotiate contracts on behalf of clients.
- The South Carolina license must remain eligible and required continuing education and renewal obligations still apply.
- Referral compensation must be handled between brokerages through a properly executed referral agreement.
- Membership, approval, referral percentages and payment are governed by the current brokerage agreement and policies.
Common questions
South Carolina referral brokerage FAQ
Do I need a South Carolina real estate license?
Yes. ReferSC requires a South Carolina real estate license. Licensees are responsible for satisfying state renewal and continuing-education requirements.
Can I represent buyers or sellers as a referral agent?
No. A license held with a referral-only brokerage does not permit you to represent clients in South Carolina transactions. You refer the client to an actively practicing real estate professional.
Can I refer someone buying or selling in another state?
Yes. Referrals may be arranged with appropriately licensed agents and brokerages in other states through a signed referral agreement.
How much does ReferSC cost?
ReferSC currently publishes a $45 annual membership fee. The initial payment also serves as the application fee and covers the first membership year upon acceptance.
How much of the referral commission do I receive?
ReferSC currently states that referral agents receive 90% of referral commission received by the brokerage, with the brokerage retaining 10%.
Do I need MLS or REALTOR® association membership?
ReferSC does not provide MLS access, and its published program information states that there are no monthly or quarterly MLS or REALTOR® association fees through the referral brokerage.
Ready to explore referral-only real estate?
Learn more about ReferSC and review the current application requirements
Visit ReferSC for current fees, policies, brokerage documents, application instructions and referral-submission information.
Program information is provided for general informational purposes and may change. Eligibility, acceptance, fees, compensation and referral activity are governed by the current referral brokerage agreement, policies and applicable South Carolina law.
